ICELAND & THE HIGHLANDS

Get ready for the thrill of a lifetime as you discover the untamed beauty of Southern Iceland on horseback. Ride through lava fields and volcano ash, and gallop at the footsteps of glaciers as you fall in love with the small but mighty Icelandic horses! You will be charmed by the hospitality of your hosts, learn about the history of the magical land of ice and fire, and leave knowing this trip will have changed you forever!

Adventure riders: This one is for your bucket list!

QUICK GUIDE:

  • Fly to Reykjavik (Keflavik International Airport- KEF)

  • Suitable for intermediate to advanced riders

  • Itineraries available from 2-7 days

  • Starting at €2390 per person

  • From June to August only!

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Ride with a herd of loose horses

  • Discover the incredible strength, stamina, and heart of Icelandic horses and enjoy their unique and comfortable gaits

  • Ride through deserts of volcanic ash, between mountains, glaciers, rivers and volcanoes

5 Iceland ITINERARIES

Information Concerning all Rides in Iceland

Curious to learn more? Read about my first-hand experience riding in the highlands on our blog.

Group of horses accompanying an expedition of horse riders crossing Iceland on horseback

Löngufjörur Beach Ride

Western Iceland - A ride across the wide tidal sands of Löngufjörur, where the sea meets open land.

  • 4 nights / 4 days riding

  • €2390 per person

  • Intermediate to experienced riders

Along the southern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the sea sets the pace for an unforgettable riding experience. As the tide recedes, wide stretches of firm sand are revealed, offering ideal conditions for long tölting rides. The scenery is both expansive and striking, with the Atlantic Ocean stretching out on one side and ancient lava fields and mountains rising on the other.

The journey begins near Gaul with an individual ride on a single horse, offering a chance to take in the coastline at a more relaxed pace before joining the herd.

Over the next three days, we make our way east along the coast, riding through shallow water, across pale sandy beaches and alongside the dark lava fields around Eldborg.

Combining individual riding with the traditional experience of travelling with a herd, this journey offers a diverse and memorable way to explore Iceland's remarkable coastline on horseback.

Two people on a riding holiday in Iceland riding native horses on a scenic trail surrounded by green fields, with mountains and a snow-capped peak in the background.

HEKLA VOLCANO EXPEDITION

Southern Iceland - A journey across the dramatic landscapes at the foot of one of Iceland’s most feared volcanoes

  • 3 nights / 4 days riding

  • €2390 per person

  • Intermediate to experienced riders

Hekla, one of the most active volcanoes in Iceland, was once considered by Icelanders to be the 'Gateway to Hell' due to regular and powerful eruptions. Despite this fearsome reputation, the lava and ash from these eruptions enriched the soil, which with time created rich pastures around the volcano. The ash and light pumice lava stone have formed incredibly smooth paths ideal for riding adventures in the land of fire and ice. On this exciting tour, you traverse trails through lava fields and lush lands and travel with a herd of horses as well as individual horse rides, leaving the herd behind. Riders on this tour will have the opportunity to get great insight into the history of the area through local activities in the afternoons as well as the option to try different horses each day and stay at a beautifully renovated farmhouse.

This ride is reserved for intermediate-advanced riders (family friendly, open to experienced riders 16+)

Horse riding holiday in Iceland in mountainous pristine countryside.

Landmannalaugar Adventure (Highlands)

Experience the stunning multicolored landscapes of the Landmannalaugar Trail and the spectacular highlands of Southern Iceland.

  • 6 nights / 7 days / 6 riding days

  • €3,490 per person

  • Intermediate to experienced riders

On this tour, we will take you along the powerful Thjorsá river and the lava fields of Hekla into Iceland's Southern Highlands and  on some of the wonderful hidden bridle paths of Iceland. We take you through ash and sand dunes, rivers and into the highlands. We ride through multi-coloured landscapes with its yellow, reddish and greenish rhyolite mountains, the towering glaciers and extensive lava fields give the area a magical touch all the way to Landmannalaugar, a geothermal area located in the Highlands of Iceland. This area is only accessible in the summertime and is renowned for its vivid mountains, where volcanic activity has created a spectrum of colours. This geologically unique area also features geothermal hot springs where we will enjoy a refreshing bath.

Riding holidays with highly trained Icelandic horses in scenic landscapes with mountains and blue sky in the background.

MAGICAL Snæfellsnes PENINSULA

A spectacular ride with glacier views and the wide sands of Löngufjörur along Iceland’s iconic Snæfellsnes Peninsula

  • 5 nights / 5 riding days

  • €2,890 per person

  • Intermediate to experienced riders

The beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula stretches far into the Atlantic from Iceland's west coast, showcasing many of the country's natural wonders. Often called “Iceland in Miniature,” the peninsula packs volcanoes, glaciers, lava fields, beaches, and cliffs all within a small area. Our ride takes us through lava fields and along hillsides, as well as onto the light-coloured sands of Löngufjörur, one of the world’s most renowned beaches for riding. This long stretch of coastline is a dream for Icelandic horse enthusiasts, offering a unique opportunity to tölting with the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier standing proudly in the distance.

Icelandic horse riding holidays

KIRKJUFELL ADVENTURE

Ride through northern Snæfellsnes, past dramatic waterfalls, mystical lava fields, and the iconic arrow-shaped mountain, Kirkjufell.

  • 4 nights / 5 riding days

  • €2,350 per person

  • Intermediate to experienced riders

We invite you to explore the northern part of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, an area replete with clandestine waterfalls, mystical legends, and quaint fishing villages. Our horse ride takes you on a path surrounded by vibrant volcanoes and through the eerie 4000-year-old Berserk lava field, which comprises lava rocks of varying shapes and is renowned for being the location of a part of the famous Eyrbyggja saga.

During our journey, we will ride around Mt Kirkjufell, considered by many as the most exquisite mountain in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and recognized as the "Arrowhead Mountain" in the Game of Thrones TV series. We will also visit the captivating Bjarnarhöfn area and explore the Shark Museum. The following days unveil the rugged beauty of the fjords and mountains of Iceland. Traverse the historical postal routes, ride alongside Grundarfjörður, and ascend the daunting and steep Tröllaháls mountain. Discover the mystical Berserk Lava Field, a testament to Icelandic folklore and history. Your path winds through enchanting landscapes, past abandoned farms, and into the heart of sagas. Our accommodation will be in the vicinity of the charming fishing town of Grundarfjörður, the only town worldwide with a dedicated plot for Iceland's hidden folk.

To extend your adventure, we highly recommend adding our 2 days Beach ride (with a €200 discount) to transform your experience into an unforgettable 6-day riding tour.

  • TESTIMONIALS

    "The horses are super cared and loved by the owners. I was surprised to see the owners knew all their names since there were so many. It's a physically demanding holiday as we spend many hours in the saddle but completely worth it!! Get ready to get dirty and feel your body sore but with some incredible memories that will last for a lifetime !“ —Mariana C.

  • TESTIMONIALS

    “We had a wonderful time in Island, it has been a once in a lifetime trip. Mathilda loves her job and her passion comes through in each and every travel detail. I’m already getting ready for my next 🐎❤️ Highly recommend!” - Valeria Padrone

  • TESTIMONIAL

    “I joined World on Horseback for the Hekla Multiday Tour in Iceland in August 2025 and I had the best experience of my life. It was a wonderful experience filled with joy and laughter. We crossed rivers and mountains, ate great food, and rode amazing horses. Mathilde from World on Horseback joined the tour, and it was amazing meeting her. Mathilde, thank you for organising this and hopefully see you soon for another tour!! ❤️ “- Giulia Orsatti